15 Jun Seven Career Mistakes
By: Megan Jones
Having a good job and a good career are two different things. Your job is one element to building your career. But your career is your repertoire of who you are as a professional. Therefore, to be successful in your career, you need to be successful in multiple elements. This can be difficult, however, it is essential to maintaining a positive professional position and to having a successful career. Here are seven common career mistakes and how to avoid them.
Abandoning Your Network
Once you have landed a job, it can be easy to abandon all the people that helped you get there or people you reached out to along the way. Although it can be difficult, especially when starting a new position do your best to avoid this. Your network is essential. You should thank anyone who help you get the job or offered assisted you. Additionally, keep your network strong. Get coffee, go to dinner, or periodically send correspondence to keep in touch. Moreover, attend networking events to keep your network strong and interacting in person can be more personable and keep your network strong.
Missing Deadlines
Missing deadlines can be missing or delaying project deadlines or running late in general. Yes, this happens occasionally, and you should be transparent as soon as you know you will not meet the timeline assigned. But it is good practice to ensure you are keeping up with your timelines. If it is for a project, create a personal timeline goal, to track your progress and ensure that you remain on schedule. Additionally, make it a habit to be on time to meetings or events. It shows that you value other peoples’ time. Always plan your schedule accordingly and give yourself buffer time for both projects and meetings.
Not Pursuing Development Skills
Once you have a job, it can be easy to get comfortable stop your development growth. Continue to enhance your skills by taking a new course, learning a new language, or advancing your skills in a subject you already know. By continuing to take development skills you will advance your skillset and make yourself more marketable for your future.
Resigning without Protocol
Building your career may mean switching your job and or position within the company. A new position can be a great opportunity to continue your professional growth. However, ensure you resign from a position appropriately. You should give your manager as much notice as possible, and it is courteous to give two weeks. Additionally, creating a guide or handoff for the next person that will backfile for your position will show your dedication to the company even though you are leaving. By following resignation protocol you maintain a positive work reputation and can keep your former manager and colleagues in your network.
Avoiding Networking in Your Position
When starting a new position it can be intimidating to interact and approach new colleagues. Many organizations may welcome and introduce you however, if they do not take the opportunity to introduce yourself. Network with your other colleagues to get to know them and begin to build a relationship. This can go a long way and begin to build your reputation at your new place of work.
Not Having Career Goals
Having career goals shows your initiative and your drive to continue to grow. You should continue to push yourself and better yourself in your position. Managers will take notice and it can motivate your colleagues to do the same. Additionally, by having career goals, you will feel accomplished by end of year and point to tangible results of what you set out to do and completed.
Wasting Time
Along with being on time you should not waste your time at work. Plan your schedule accordingly and if you are running low on projects ask your managers where you can assist. Use your calendar and prioritize your tasks so you complete all projects on time.
Best of luck with your creating and maintaining your career, we know you will act in the utmost professionalism!
